12 S T U F F • 2 0 2 1 • StuffMadeinMA.com
F
ire Equipment Inc. (FEI) has
seen a complete evolution of
fire protection services and
technology since the
company was founded in
1928 when Harold Deever
noticed a need for fire extinguishers in
Boston.
Headquartered in Medford with six
branches, including its newest Worcester
office, FEI designs and installs suppression
systems that fit the unique safety and fire
prevention needs of their clients.
"We are the first line of defense," said
Brian Murphy, FEI president and CEO.
Two families, one legacy
After Deever started the business,
originally known as The Lux Fire
Equipment Co., his son, Jack, took over
the company. While Jack was an expert in
suppression systems, business
management was not his forte. In 1969,
Russell Murphy became Jack's partner and
eventually acquired FEI, marking him the
first Murphy generation to lead the
company.
After working his way up from a shop
technician, Russell's son R. William
Murphy became president of FEI in 1996
before retiring in March. The company
remains a family affair as R. William's
children lead the organization with Brian
as CEO, Kerryn, as contracts manager,
and Doug, as vice president of finance.
Longevity in business is rare, but it is
especially rare among third generation
business, said Brian.
Sparking innovation
Fire suppression systems made and built in Central Mass. save lives and
make fighting fires easier
B Y S L OA N E M . P E R R O N
2%
Rise in the number of U.S.
manufacturing employees
since 2009
P H O T O | E D D C O T E
Millbury
firefighters gather
around a fire in
town.
41%
Increase in the average
annual salary of a
Worcester County
construction employee
from 2008 to 2020
